Rural Lanarkshire golf club nets bumper £290k grant from windfarm fund

Rural Lanarkshire Golf Club Receives £290k Grant from Windfarm Fund

In a significant boost for Leadhills Golf Club in rural South Lanarkshire, one of the country’s prominent renewable energy firms, OnPath Energy, has provided a generous £290,000 grant. This grant, amounting to 60% of the £440,357 total project cost, is a record-breaking award for the company.

The grant from OnPath Energy, formerly known as Banks Renewables, was granted through South Lanarkshire Council’s Renewable Energy Fund (REF). This funding will aid Leadhills Golf Club in its endeavour to construct a new energy-efficient clubhouse and storage unit, incorporating sustainable energy solutions.

Having served as a valuable community asset for over 85 years, Leadhills Golf Club has recently obtained planning permission for the new clubhouse. The club is now progressing towards the tendering phase for the project, with the grant ensuring that the redevelopment aligns with high environmental standards.

Aileen McCreadie, partnerships and community manager at OnPath Energy, expressed enthusiasm for supporting projects that merge sustainability with community welfare. She emphasised the significance of Leadhills Golf Club in the local area, highlighting the potential of the new clubhouse to showcase green energy solutions.

The sustainable technologies to be implemented at the club include solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and upgraded heating systems to reduce the club’s carbon footprint. The collaboration with local businesses, such as hotels and Airbnb providers, who purchase memberships for their guests, underscores the club’s commitment to promoting tourism and supporting the local economy.

Amanda Davis, development officer for Leadhills Golf Club, hailed the grant as a significant advancement for the club. She noted the overwhelming support from the community, businesses, and schools, all of whom recognise the project’s importance in shaping the future of Leadhills.

Moreover, the new clubhouse is set to play a pivotal role in attracting more visitors to the area, fostering sustainable tourism and boosting the local economy. The grant is part of OnPath Energy’s REF initiative, managed by South Lanarkshire Council, using funds generated from the Middle Muir Wind Farm.

Councillor Robert Brown from South Lanarkshire Council commended the fund for its long-term benefits to communities, stressing its role in preserving local heritage and enhancing economic vitality. The grant from OnPath Energy signifies the company’s commitment to delivering social, environmental, and economic benefits to the local community.

In conclusion, the generous grant awarded to Leadhills Golf Club is a testament to the power of renewable energy in supporting local communities and driving sustainable development. With a focus on green solutions and community welfare, the project is poised to transform the club into a beacon of environmental stewardship and local pride.